UPLB Department of Human and Family Development Studies

17/08/2026

Maraming salamat, UP Beta Sigma Fraternity – Los Baños Chapter! 💖🌈

There’s more than one way to leave a mark before saying goodbye. For the graduating members of the UP Beta Sigma Fraternity, Los Baños Chapter, 

17/08/2026

𝐃𝐇𝐅𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS), College of Human Ecology, UPLB commenced last Friday, 14 August 2026, the pilot testing of the CDRC-ECCD Training Program Level 1 on Child Development Center Management.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices of Child Development Workers and ECCD practitioners in managing Child Development Centers toward the holistic development of children. The training modules are aligned with the competency standards and expectations of the ECCD Council.

The pilot testing engages 10 Child Development Workers from the Rural Improvement Club, Inc. (RIC) Child Development Centers of Los Baños. Their experiences and feedback will help assess the modules in terms of acceptability, familiarity, clarity, relevance, and usability, and identify areas for improvement before wider implementation.

The opening session featured Dr. Nepthaly Botor for Module 1: Understanding Oneself as an ECCD Practitioner and Dr. Marison R. Dy for Module 2: Understanding the Typical Development of Children.

The pilot testing will continue on 28 August, 4 September, and 11 September 2026, covering health and nutrition, curricular enrichment, learning environments, child development assessment, parent involvement, and reflexive practice.

Through this initiative, DHFDS continues to bring together its expertise in human development, family studies, and early childhood development to support practitioners who work directly with young children and families.

Para sa bata, para sa pamilya, para sa pamayanan.

17/08/2026

We feature another timely and thought-provoking study from Legacy: The Scientific Publication of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies — “From the Filipinos and for the Filipinos.”

The article “The Role of Alcohol Use Severity in the Link Between Attitude and Microaggression Perpetration Toward Sexually- and Gender-Diverse Individuals” examines how alcohol use severity influences the relationship between negative attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals and the perpetration of sexual orientation and gender identity microaggressions. Findings show that as alcohol use severity increases, the relationship between negative attitudes and the magnitude of microaggression perpetration becomes stronger.

Authored by Nephtaly Joel B. Botor, Antover P. Tuliao, Devin J. Mills, and Cameron C. Brown, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that may amplify bias-driven behaviors and highlights the importance of addressing both attitudes and alcohol-related factors in promoting respectful and inclusive environments.

Read the full article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00918369.2025.2511008

14/08/2026

𝐀 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝, 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 🌱

The Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS), College of Human Ecology, UPLB extends its heartfelt gratitude to the U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity – Los Baños Chapter for spearheading the rehabilitation of the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) playground through Origins: Final Crashout.

This meaningful initiative reflects what service can accomplish when translated into concrete action for children and the community. The rehabilitated playground provides our young learners with a safer and more engaging environment for play, exploration, interaction, and development.

We likewise thank the Fraternity's partner organizations, donors, and everyone who contributed their time, resources, and effort toward bringing this project to fruition.

Maraming salamat, U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity – Los Baños Chapter, for your generosity and commitment to service. May this renewed space nurture many more years of joyful learning, meaningful play, and healthy child development at the CDL.

Mabuhay ang diwa ng paglilingkod! 🌻

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

AHEAD Journal Feature | Volume 2, Issue 1 (2023)

The Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Development and Family Studies (AHEAD) features a study examining how school heads managed online communication with teachers in the post-lockdown period:

“An Investigation of Post-Lockdown Online Communications Management Practices of Secondary School Heads”

Authored by Ameer Benjamin B. Calderon of the Department of Education – Cavite City, Philippines.

The study explores teachers’ experiences with different online communication practices, categorized as happy, sad, mad, and bad. Findings highlight the value of online School Learning Action Cells, while also pointing to challenges such as repetitive tasks, limited time for online assignments, and difficulties in tracking submitted documents.

The study emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and effective online communication management in supporting teachers’ work experience, productivity, and human development.

Read more: https://ahead.uplb.edu.ph/volumes/volume-2/

10/08/2026

𝗗𝗛𝗙𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 🌏🎓

The Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS) proudly congratulates two of our alumnae for presenting research from their undergraduate theses at the 2nd Human Ecology International Conference (HEIC II-2026), held on August 10–12, 2026, in Bangi, Malaysia.

Juliana Selina Agoncillo presented her paper, “The Influence of House Helpers on the Socio-emotional Development in the Early Childhood Years of Filipino Adolescents.”

Abriane May Nora presented her paper, “Perceptions of Physical Discipline and Its Role in Effective Child Development: Evidence from College of Human Ecology Students.”

Their participation in an international scholarly forum demonstrates that undergraduate research can extend well beyond the fulfillment of an academic requirement. A thesis gains continuing life when its findings are shared, subjected to scholarly dialogue, and allowed to contribute to a deeper understanding of children, families, relationships, and human development.

We celebrate Juliana and Abriane not only for representing DHFDS and the University on the international stage, but also for carrying forward the intellectual work they began as undergraduate students. May this milestone inspire our present students to approach their own research with rigor, curiosity, and a commitment to producing knowledge that serves people and communities.

Congratulations, Juliana and Abriane! DHFDS celebrates this achievement with you. Continue bringing Human and Family Development scholarship wherever you go. 🌱💚

07/08/2026

Join us for the UPLB Centennial Professorial Chair Lecture featuring Assoc. Prof. Inero V. Ancho, PhD, Chair of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies.

Happy Wife, Happy Life: Exploring Happiness Among Filipino Women Married to Koreans

Discover meaningful insights into multicultural families, marriage, and happiness through this engaging lecture.

We look forward to seeing you there!

04/08/2026

The Asia-Pacific Journal of Human Development and Family Studies (AHEAD) features a study that sheds light on the resilience and dedication of Child Development Center teachers during times of crisis:

"Lived Experiences of Child Development Center Teachers amidst the Disasters"

Authored by Leonora P. Varela, Teresita T. Rungduin, and Liza C. Legaspino from the Philippine Normal University.

Using a phenomenological approach, the study explored the experiences of 18 Child Development Center teachers in Batangas City following the Taal Volcano eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal the challenges they faced, the multiple roles they assumed, and the strength they drew from their spiritual beliefs in navigating these disasters.

The study underscores the importance of providing disaster intervention and support programs to promote the holistic well-being of early childhood educators.

Read the full article in https://ahead.uplb.edu.ph/volumes/volume-2/

04/08/2026

Meet the DHFDS Faculty

Our faculty members bring together expertise in teaching, research, and extension, with specializations spanning child and human development, family studies, education, community development, resource management, and related fields.

Get to know the dedicated educators and researchers of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS), College of Human Ecology, UPLB. Browse their academic backgrounds, areas of specialization, and institutional email addresses to learn more about their work and connect with them for academic and professional inquiries.

Together, we continue to advance knowledge, nurture future leaders, and promote the well-being of Filipino individuals, families, and communities.